Ministry approves induction of women as fighter pilots

Parrikar, who has been batting for enhanced role of women even in combat positions, had also met the three Service Chiefs recently to discuss the issue.

The first women pilots in the combat wing will be selected from the current Air Force academy batch, tweeted the ministry spokesperson.

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said previous year that “women are by nature not physically suited for flying fighters for long hours”.

Under the plan, the first women fighter pilots would be commissioned in 2016 after successful completion of primary training. They will then undergo advanced training for one year and would enter a fighter cockpit by June 2017.

Isn’t this just praise-worthy?

Globally, many countries like the U.S., Israel and Pakistan have women fighter pilots. While the IAF has been inducting women into the transport and helicopter streams, the decision makes way for career opportunity for women officers in all the branches of the Air Force. The IAF’s initiative is a significant victory for those fighting for equal rights for women in the armed forces.

The IAF had in the past shown reservations about inducting women in front-line combat roles over apprehensions of rape and torture on being held in enemy territory.

The induction of women into fighter stream would be the first formal entry of women into combat role with any arm of the Indian military.

India’s air force now has women serving in seven areas – administration, logistics, meteorology, navigation, education, aeronautical engineering and accounts.

Women form a very minor section in the armed forces, with the IAF having the highest number at 1,350 followed by the army with 1,300 and the navy with 350 women officers, according to official information.

The same court, in 2010, itself, had allowed women permanent commission in the Army and the Air Force.